In Tyrol, diversity reigns supreme. Beyond function rooms and event spaces, a variety of adventurous experiences, summit bliss, cultural treasures, and culinary delights await. It’s no wonder Tyrol is one of the leading tourist destinations; the province is both an adventure playground and a place of peace and quiet. A strong focus on regeneration and sustainability in all areas of life ensures that this will continue to be the case in the future.
In between nature and culture
While Tyrol is known for its magnificent mountain world, the region also boasts a diverse cultural scene. Innsbruck, the provincial capital, exemplifies the perfect synergy of nature and culture: while the alpine-urban metropolis offers all the advantages of a major city, it is only a 20-minute drive from its charming historical centre to the lofty heights of the Nordkette mountain range. Regardless of whether you choose to host your event in Innsbruck or another picturesque Tyrolean town, an excursion to the provincial capital should be part of any conference’s supporting programme.
Besides the city’s well-known landmark Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof), Innsbruck has many more sights to see: Culture enthusiasts should visit the Ferdinandeum Tyrolean State Museum, the Haus der Musik concert hall, and the Audioversum, which features multimedia installations and sensory experiences. Sports fans won’t want to miss a trip to the Bergiselschanze, the famous Olympic ski jump. A breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view awaits high up in its tower, impressing even those who don’t care for sports. Brave souls have the opportunity to sit on the start bench high above the inrun themselves as part of a guided tour. For more action, visitors can rush down the ice canal at a speed of 120 km/h at the Innsbruck-Igls Olympic bobsleigh run,
The province also offers an abundance of culture outside its capital. Tyrol is home to the world’s oldest museum, located in Ambras castle, as well as the Schwaz silver mine, which is considered the largest silver mine of the late Middle Ages. Another highlight is the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where visitors can admire the works of international artists throughout 17 chambers of wonder. Equally memorable is a tour through 007 Elements, the James Bond experience in Sölden. The film set of SPECTRE now houses interactive high-tech galleries, bringing film scenes to life and taking visitors on a truly unique journey through the movies. In the Renaissance castle Tratzberg, history comes alive: Visitors virtually travel through time in 3D and explore an adventure area featuring a digital magic mirror and all kinds of medieval things to touch and try on.
Adventurous experiences and mountain bliss
Excursions, incentives, and team-building activities have the potential to turn any corporate event into a holistic experience that will be remembered for years to come. In Tyrol, numerous adventures for every taste await.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice year-round in Tyrol. During the warmer months, the countless hiking trails, via ferratas, cycling routes, and mountain bike trails winding their way through the picturesque scenery invite visitors to explore the mountain world at their leisure.
The province has made a name for itself as a winter sports destination, boasting a total of 80 ski fields with over 3,400 kilometres of slopes. Six Tyrolean ski resorts rank among the top 10 ski resorts globally, and the region’s five glacier ski regions are open throughout all seasons.
In addition to classic winter sports — such as skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating — fast-paced fun sports that promise an even more intense adrenaline rush are becoming increasingly popular. Experiences such as air boarding, snow tubing, and snowfing guarantee plenty of action; the stunning alpine scenery is the icing on the cake.
Tyrol further offers a wide range of incentives and worthwhile excursions. A popular destination is Area 47, Austria’s largest outdoor park, which features over 35 different fun sports and outdoor experiences. The province’s numerous high ropes courses allow visitors to reach for the sky and break through mental as well as athletic limits.
Another unbeatable experience is a guided tour through the Natural Ice Palace at Hintertux Glacier, a unique natural gem. Here, underground ice chambers featuring stalactites, sparkling ice crystals, frozen waterfalls, and even a glacial lake are waiting to be explored. Particularly hardy teams can give ice swimming in the icy cold waters of the glacial lake a go.
For workshops with a fun factor, yodelling workshops, Schuhplattler courses teaching a traditional Austrian folk dance, or sled dog training courses are highly recommended.
After so much excitement, rest and relaxation should be a priority. A wellness stay in one of the region’s thermal spas, such as the Aqua Dome, provides the ideal counterbalance to daily business and demanding conferences.
Culinary highlights
Somewhere between highly productive working days and adventurous experiences in the Tyrolean mountains, the energy reserves of event attendees need to be recharged. Fortunately, Tyrol’s regional cuisine offers a wealth of hearty delicacies, served with heartfelt hospitality.
With the Alpine cuisine having gained an excellent reputation and finding its way into gourmet kitchens, visitors can now enjoy authentic Tyrolean specialities not only in traditional inns or rustic alpine huts. Nowadays, the finest regional specialities are served at both traditional taverns and modern gourmet restaurants all over the province, which have been awarded a total of 177 Gault & Millau toques. One highlight in Tyrol’s hospitality scene is Austria’s highest coffeehouse, where guests are treated to culinary delights at 3,440 metres above sea level.
With traditional dishes and hearty home-style cooking remaining an integral part of Tyrol’s regional culture, many recipes have been passed down through generations. Be sure to taste authentic meals such as Tyrolean Kaspressknödel, which are traditional cheese and bread dumplings, the popular Tyrolean Gröstl — a bacon, onion, and potato fry-up typically served with a fried egg — or the stuffed pasta Schlutzkrapfen, also known as Tyrolean ravioli. The crowning glory of any Tyrolean meal is a glass of the region’s excellent Schnaps or brandy, usually enjoyed as a digestif.